Q: How did you feel about playing a grandmother? —Brian Heck, New York City A: Initially, I was suicidal. First you’re the ingenue, next you’re the mom, later you’re the grandmother, and then you’re the corpse. But when I heard that I would be playing opposite Billy Crystal, I leapt in.

Q: Was he a good onscreen husband? —Janet H., Augusta, Ga. A: He made me laugh till I fell on the floor. It was as though we had been married for years! We have been, though not to each other. I think marriage makes us all the same after a long enough time! Q: What would the Bette of today tell Bette from the ’70s? —Alexandra L., Logan, Utah A: Red hair is aging! Go blond!

Q: Does your family ever ask you to sing for them at home? —Chris Merriman, Houston A: Never. More likely, they tell me to shut up, and not that nicely.

Q: Who is one celebrity you were nervous to meet? —Tasha Riggins, Concordia, Kan. A: Bob Dylan. I broke into a nervous sweat and ruined my new blouse.

Online Extra: Which of her past roles is most like the real Bette? — Nancy Rechtman A: Winnie from Hocus Pocus!